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February 2009 Edition
New Resources From the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging
Other News
New Resources From the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging
FHA Publishes New Tip Sheet Offering Older Adults Advice on Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery
To help older adults better understand joint replacement surgery and decide whether it might be right for them, the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA) has created and posted a comprehensive and easy-to-understand tip sheet, "The Older Person's Guide to Joint Replacement," on its Web site. It's the latest in the FHA's ongoing series of easily understood tip sheets focusing on health issues relevant to older adults.
The tip sheet explains what hip and knee replacement surgery entails, when such surgery may be necessary, and the benefits and potential risks of the procedures. It includes questions older people should ask themselves to get a better sense of whether they might be candidates for the surgery, and offers advice on discussing the matter with healthcare professionals. The tip sheet also outlines steps older people should take in preparation for hip or knee replacement surgery, and offers advice for optimizing and speeding recovery after surgery.
The FHA's tip sheets are posted on www.healthinaging.org, the foundation's free public education Web site. All information on the site can be downloaded, copied and shared at no cost. Other tip sheets in the series cover such topics as vaccinations in later life, cognitive vitality, geriatric syndromes, falls prevention, and caregiver burnout.
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The American Geriatrics Society and the Foundation for Health in Aging Need Patient Spokespeople; Please Consider Volunteering
Has your healthcare provider had special training that has prepared him or her to meet the unique healthcare needs of older adults? Or is someone you love seeing a healthcare provider with such training? If so, you can help raise awareness of the difference such healthcare providers can make in the lives of older patients -- by becoming an American Geriatrics Society or FHA spokesperson.
The Society and Foundation often get calls from reporters who would like to speak with people who have had first-hand experience with providers who have special training in elder healthcare. That's why we're looking for patients getting such care, or their loved ones or caregivers, who are willing to speak to these reporters.
By volunteering to become a spokesperson and talk to reporters you can:
- help people whose situations are similar to yours learn more about good care for themselves or their loved ones.
- help the Media and policy makers understand what a difference specialized geriatrics care can make in the lives of older adults.
- help us in our ongoing efforts to ensure that older adults get high quality healthcare
- make a difference !
To volunteer, call the American Geriatrics Society at 212-308-1414 or email Erin Weller at eweller@americangeriatrics.org and tell us about your experiences.
If you know of someone with a story to tell, please let them know about this opportunity by sharing our spokesperson flyer with them.
The more stories we can share, the more effectively we can raise awareness, and the better our chances of helping older adults get the quality healthcare they need.
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New Aging in the Know Feature: Online Glossary
Most of us aren't familiar with scientific terms and medical jargon - words like "amyloid," and "bursa." To make them understandable, the FHA's comprehensive elder health Web site -- Aging in the Know -- includes a glossary of medical terms.
The FHA is also updating Aging in the Know over the next few months so that these definitions will be easily accessible on each chapter of the Web site. In the section of the Web site titled "Disorders of the Heart and Circulatory System", for example, you can now click on medical and other technical words for clear and concise definitions.
Visit Aging in the Know for:
- information about common diseases and disorders that affect older adults
- the "What to Ask?" series of questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider about common health problems and concerns
- links to the Web sites of other organizations that offer related information and resources
- a mailing list to join so you can stay up-to-date on the most recent resources regarding aging and health
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Other News
Robert Butler, MD, AstraZeneca, and Evercare Receive Awards at the FHA's 9th Annual Lifetime of Caring Gala
Renowned gerontologist, researcher, founder of the nation's first department of geriatrics, founding director of the National Institute on Aging, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and founding director of the International Longevity Center, Robert N. Butler, MD, was honored with the FHA's Lifetime of Caring Award at the Foundation's annual Lifetime of Caring Gala last month.
More than 160 friends of the FHA gathered at New York City's famed Plaza Hotel January 28 for the Gala. The yearly event raises funds that support the foundation's vital work on behalf of older adults.
Hosted by broadcasting legend Hugh Downs, the Gala celebrated the vital work of the Foundation, and others whose work, like Dr. Butler's, has benefited older adults.
A leader in pharmaceutical research and development, AstraZeneca US received the Foundation's annual Discovery Award during the event. Under the stewardship of CEO Zony Zook, AstraZeneca US is involved in vital research focusing on the treatment of diseases, disorders and health conditions common among older people. The FHA's Impact Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that work with older adults, their families, and their caregivers to promote successful aging, went to Evercare. Founded in 1987, Evercare is one of the nation's leading providers of healthcare, hospice and palliative care, and caregiver services for the aging and those with disabilities, and long-term and advanced illnesses.
Visit the Gala web page for more information.
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Learn About Heart Disease and Macular Degeneration - Two Threats to Older Adults' Health and Independence
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the Untied States, and age-related macular degeneration is the foremost cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans 50 and older. Because these health problems pose such serious threats to life, health and independence, this month has been designated Heart Disease Awareness Month; and March, Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month.
In easily understandable language, the FHA's Aging in the Know Web site explains what causes heart disease and macular degeneration, what you can do to lower your risks of both, and how these common health problems are treated. Visit the site's:
- "Guide to Heart Disease" chapter, which explains symptoms, causes, and risks of heart disease. (This and other Question and Answer sections appear in the Public Education Forum section of the FHA Web site.)
- "Disorders of the Heart and Circulatory System" chapter, which covers risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for heart and circulatory disorders and includes a Frequently Asked Questions section.
- "Vision Loss and Other Eye Diseases" chapter about eye disorders and other conditions affecting vision.
- "Vision Problems", a chapter from the FHA's award-winning caregiver guide, Eldercare At Home, A Comprehensive Online Guide for Family Caregivers.
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Help Support the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging
As our valued supporters, we need your help more than ever! The Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA) works to improve the health and wellbeing of older adults -- not only by empowering older people and their caregivers with trustworthy health information, but also by supporting healthcare research and the training of the next generation of geriatrics healthcare professionals.
By making a contribution to the FHA, you can help promote the health and wellness of older adults in each of these ways. Any and all contributions are appreciated, especially in these challenging economic times, when public spending is being curtailed, and need is greater than ever. Gifts can be made on the FHA Web site Donations page. You may also donate by phone (212) 308-1414 or by sending a check to the Donations Department, AGS Foundation for Health in Aging, The Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 801, New York, NY 10118.
Your donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the laws.
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